Royce da 5’9” concert shows dedication to audience

elling half a million copies of an album may not seem impressive for an artist signed to a major record label. But to a Detroit native who took his music into his own hands and is reaching for success on his own terms, going gold is the equivalent of selling 2 million records, figuratively (and financially).

Royce da 5’9” decided to celebrate the success of his chart-topping album with his hometown of Detroit. “Hell: The Sequel,” a collaborative effort with fellow Detroit native and rap phenom Eminem (known together as Bad Meets Evil), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in June.

On Sept. 3, the Majestic Theatre in Detroit quickly filled with lovers of Hip-Hop who represented every race, culture, fashion sense and age group. Everyone there had one thing in common; they know good music when they hear it.

The Majestic Theatre is a large building with grand light fixtures in the ceiling and a stage elevated unusually high. Yes, this arena is the perfect place for Hip-Hop royalty to place the crown upon his head and sit high on his throne. But Royce isn’t a selfish guy.

Before there was a word uttered from the headliner’s mouth, the stage was used as a platform for artists who are only one big break away from Royce’s status. Several artists opened up for Royce, performing to a crowd of supportive onlookers, honing their skills so they’ll be ready when they headline their own show.

One thing that can be appreciated from that incredible night was the dedication of the listeners. Finally, a Hip-Hop concert with a blended racial crowd where race wasn’t an issue! Both black and white hands were applauding, concerned only with the music, and they were rewarded with incredible surprises.

Once all the opening acts were fnished performing, local radio personality Bushman had the honor of introducing Royce da 5’9” to an excited crowd. After the DJ played with the crowd’s emotions a little longer, the star finally came out. Royce da 5’9”, named for his height, has a presence of a giant. He simply walked to the middle of the stage, and everyone was ecstatic. Once he began rapping, the energy was electrifying.

During his hourlong set, Royce was joined by his rap group Slaughterhouse, Bun B of UGK, and other colleagues to keep the party going. Perhaps the most significant part of the show was when fellow artists presented Royce with a gold plaque, celebrating the success of his album with Eminem and setting the bar high for his latest project. Royce’s new album, “Success is Certain,” features the smash single “Writer’s Block” with Eminem, and the two of them together are definitely generating revenue.

There were no fights. There were no guns drawn. There was no drama. But what did exist was an artist who has experienced success and decided to share it with the people who embraced him first. It is unsure who the next Hip-Hop superstar to come from Toledo will be, but let’s just hope that person comes back.